Ukraine insists on complete and unconditional ceasefire, Zelenskyy says

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Telegram

President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire and direct talks with Russia to save lives and provide a basis for diplomacy, following negotiations in Türkiye. Kyiv stresses the need for global pressure on Moscow to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is prepared to implement a 30-day ceasefire as part of efforts to end the war and establish lasting peace. His comments followed recent talks in Türkiye involving Ukrainian and Russian delegations.

“Our delegation managed to keep the conversation within a respectful framework. All Russian threats were dismissed. Ukraine insists on the need for a complete and unconditional ceasefire to save lives and to provide the necessary foundation for diplomacy,” Zelenskyy said.

According to the President, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reported on the progress of negotiations held in Türkiye on May 15–16. A key outcome of the talks was a preliminary agreement on a prisoner exchange in the format of 1,000 for 1,000. Kyiv is currently working on the technical details of the exchange.

Zelenskyy stressed that the proposed ceasefire must be long enough to create diplomatic momentum, with the possibility of extension. He added that Ukraine, in coordination with its international partners, is fully prepared for such a step.

“Ukraine is not afraid of direct negotiations with Russia. What’s important is that the Russian leadership does not drag the war on,” he added.

Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine is ready for a leaders-level meeting to resolve key issues and further diplomatic progress.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak briefed the President on recent meetings with representatives from the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and Türkiye. Yermak outlined the positions of these key partners, and Zelenskyy confirmed continued close coordination with allies.

The President concluded by ordering the formation of a permanent and expanded national negotiation group to advance Ukraine’s peace efforts.

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